say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o humane_a certitude_n of_o which_o it_o may_v simple_o or_o absolute_o be_v say_v non_fw-la posse_fw-la illi_fw-la falsum_fw-la subesse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v produce_v more_o express_o abet_v my_o way_n of_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n nothing_o certain_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v contain_v the_o reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o simple_o infallible_a for_o say_v he_o tradition_n be_v full_a report_n about_o what_o be_v evident_a unto_o sense_n to_o wit_n what_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n public_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a world_n of_o man_n can_v be_v uniform_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v about_o a_o matter_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n so_o divide_v in_o place_n of_o so_o different_a affection_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v so_o have_v agree_v in_o their_o tale_n have_v they_o so_o malicious_o resolve_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n observe_v here_o 1._o that_o he_o allege_v only_o natural_a motive_n or_o speak_v only_o of_o tradition_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o i_o take_v it_o in_o my_o method_n 2._o he_o go_v about_o to_o show_v out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a 3._o he_o make_v this_o tradition_n or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o infallible_a deriver_n down_o or_o ascertainer_n that_o what_o be_v now_o hold_v upon_o that_o tenure_n be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n or_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n which_o once_o know_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o body_n that_o proceed_v upon_o it_o to_o possess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o consequent_o infallible_o know_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o very_a way_n i_o take_v in_o my_o method_n and_o other_o tâ—eatises_n it_o may_v hence_o be_v discern_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n dr._n t._n except_v against_o it_o as_o so_o superlative_o singular_a but_o to_o proceed_v hence_o p._n 40._o he_o aver_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o tradition_n be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o it_o convince_v infidel_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v only_o natural_a reason_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o for_o though_o say_v he_o they_o be_v blind_a not_o to_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v divine_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n impudent_a and_o obstinate_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n catholic_n tradition_n to_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a and_o p._n 41._o the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o man_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n may_v know_v assure_o what_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v to_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n be_v the_o catholic_n tradition_n by_o world_n of_o christian_a father_n and_o pastor_n unto_o world_n of_o christian_a child_n and_o faithful_a people_n which_o word_n as_o full_o express_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a or_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n supply_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o motive_n this_o learned_a writer_n p._n 46_o on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o inward_a assurance_n without_o any_o external_n infallible_a ground_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o truth_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o last_o to_o omit_v other_o p._n 47._o he_o discourse_v thus_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n in_o this_o search_n may_v be_v deceive_v through_o natural_a invincible_a fallibility_n of_o their_o organ_n and_o so_o no_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v altogether_o infallible_a i_o answer_v that_o evidence_n have_v by_o sense_n be_v but_o the_o private_a of_o one_o man_n be_v natural_o and_o physical_o infallible_a but_o when_o the_o same_o be_v also_o public_a and_o catholic_n that_o be_v when_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n concur_v with_o he_o than_o his_o evidence_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a and_o now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n touch_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o either_o the_o selfsame_a or_o else_o necessary_o consequent_a or_o at_o least_o very_a consonant_n to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o cite_v from_o this_o judicious_a author_n and_o great_a champion_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o day_n who_o coincidency_n with_o other_o divine_n into_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o explication_n argue_v strong_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o same_o unanimous_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o true_a catholic_n ground_n which_o can_v breed_v this_o conspire_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discourse_v and_o almost_o the_o selfsame_a word_n §_o 13._o hence_o be_v see_v how_o just_o d._n t._n when_o he_o want_v something_o else_o to_o say_v still_o tax_v i_o with_o singularity_n in_o accept_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n build_v on_o absolutely-conclusive_a motive_n with_o talk_v such_o paradox_n as_o he_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o they_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n that_o all_o mankind_n except_v j._n saint_n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o my_o ground_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o own_o church_n that_o no_o man_n before_o j._n s._n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n which_o word_n fallible_a be_v of_o his_o own_o add_v i_o be_v of_o mankind_n rely_v on_o sensation_n be_v infallible_a that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o twenty_o such_o insignificant_a cavil_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o breed_v his_o vexation_n be_v that_o as_o my_o reason_n incline_v i_o i_o join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o intelligent_a party_n of_o divine_n that_o be_v indeed_o i_o stick_v to_o and_o pursue_v and_o explain_v and_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v far_o those_o ground_n which_o i_o see_v be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v i_o only_o talk_v of_o moral_a certainty_n probability_n and_o such_o wise_a stuff_n when_o i_o be_o settle_v faith_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v like_v i_o exceed_o for_o than_o his_o own_o side_n may_v be_v probable_a too_o which_o sandy_a foundation_n be_v enough_o for_o such_o a_o mercurial_a faith_n as_o nothing_o but_o interest_n be_v apt_a to_o fix_v discourse_n viii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n answer_v my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o his_o attempt_n to_o clear_v object_v fault_n by_o commit_v new_a one_o §_o 1._o my_o confuter_n have_v at_o length_n do_v with_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o my_o methed_a and_o have_v not_o he_o do_v well_o think_v you_o and_o approve_v himself_o a_o excellent_a confuter_n he_o only_o break_v his_o jest_n upon_o every_o passage_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o former_a except_o one_o without_o ever_o hee_v or_o consider_v much_o less_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o one_o single_a reason_n of_o those_o many_o there_o allege_v and_o as_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o seem_v serious_a viz._n how_o the_o faithful_a be_v hold_v by_o i_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n he_o quite_o mistake_v it_o throughout_o again_o as_o for_o my_o method_n he_o first_o give_v a_o wrong_a character_n of_o it_o and_o next_o pretend_v it_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o point_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o be_v which_o he_o have_v ready_o grant_v but_o offer_v not_o one_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o any_o one_o reason_n in_o it_o neither_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v next_o and_o first_o he_o say_v he_o will_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n so_o he_o do_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o too_o for_o he_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n to_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o it_o next_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o ill-language_n which_o he_o say_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o say_v partly_o true_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o i_o than_o when_o i_o expect_v a_o sober_a and_o scholarlike_o answer_v to_o find_v only_o a_o prettily-worded_n fardel_n of_o drollery_n and_o insincerity_n i_o wonder_v what_o gall_v he_o when_o he_o lavish_v out_o so_o much_o ill-language_n in_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n in_o which_o treatise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passionate_a word_n not_o one_o syllable_n
and_o so_o we_o may_v call_v they_o moral_a christian_n which_o epithet_n be_v opposite_a to_o absolute_a signify_v they_o be_v not_o absolute_o christian_n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v indeed_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o it_o be_v true_a sense_n be_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o no_o christian_n yet_o since_o they_o like_v the_o word_n moral_a so_o extreme_o well_o when_o they_o be_v to_o express_v the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v wear_v it_o when_o we_o express_v they_o as_o faithful_a though_o then_o the_o hopeful_a seem_v very_o well_o to_o represent_v their_o humour_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o name_v themselves_o and_o moral_a christian_n let_v they_o be_v against_o these_o moral_a christian_n and_o they_o only_o i_o discourse_v in_o this_o present_a treatise_n but_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o the_o person_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n goodness_n the_o method_n of_o who_o gracious_a providence_n be_v to_o support_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n will_v permit_v very_o often_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o man_n speculation_n with_o connatural_a way_n of_o knowledge_n fix_v they_o thus_o in_o a_o strong_a adherence_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n by_o way_n which_o even_o their_o unreflect_a self_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o whence_o i_o be_o the_o far_a from_o judge_v any_o man_n person_n perhaps_o of_o any_o live_n and_o endeavour_v all_o i_o can_v to_o retain_v a_o charitable_a opinion_n even_o of_o dr._n t_n personal_a intention_n in_o common_a and_o excuse_v he_o diverse_a time_n in_o this_o very_a treatise_n where_o i_o write_v against_o he_o as_o far_o as_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v it_o be_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n then_o and_o it_o only_o which_o i_o combat_v at_o present_a and_o which_o i_o see_v plain_o so_o unsettle_v unhinge_n and_o render_v useless_a and_o ineffectual_a all_o christianity_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o declare_v a_o utter_a and_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n against_o it_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n prosecute_v it_o home_o to_o the_o very_a door_n of_o scepticism_n the_o bane_n of_o all_o humane_a science_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o who_o gloomy_a grott_n situate_v in_o the_o confine_n of_o dark_a ignorance_n mankind_n natural_a hell_n they_o first_o see_v the_o twilight_n or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v bear_v blind_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o declare_v as_o i_o do_v a_o just_a indignation_n against_o this_o wicked_a tenet_n i_o shall_v treat_v a_o writer_n favourable_o consider_v he_o precise_o as_o a_o maintainer_n of_o it_o or_o bear_v myself_o respectful_o to_o those_o insincere_a and_o unhandsome_a method_n and_o way_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o abet_v it_o and_o prejudice_v the_o sacred_a truth_n it_o oppose_v whether_o those_o way_n be_v sophism_n in_o reason_v or_o else_o scurrility_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n the_o main_a engine_n employ_v in_o this_o preface_n i_o shall_v then_o take_v a_o little_a of_o that_o much_o liberty_n he_o use_v to_o give_v they_o the_o entertainment_n and_o return_v due_a in_o justice_n to_o their_o demerit_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n omit_v still_o the_o rude_a hope_v he_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a at_o his_o own_o echo_n since_o if_o he_o have_v not_o originize_v it_o it_o have_v not_o reflect_v and_o if_o he_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o freedom_n to_o abound_v so_o with_o irony_n and_o whole_o neglect_v speak_v to_o my_o reason_n of_o which_o whatever_o they_o be_v none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o i_o use_v to_o have_v good_a store_n in_o my_o write_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v indecent_a if_o now_o and_o then_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o plausible_a irony_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o refute_v otherwise_o since_o according_a to_o dr._n t_n method_n of_o dispute_v these_o be_v my_o only_a confuter_n and_o full_a of_o brag_n and_o triumph_n he_o and_o his_o friend_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v pretend_v as_o they_o do_v former_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n that_o inability_n to_o reply_n have_v cause_v my_o desistance_n i_o come_v then_o to_o examine_v this_o spruce_a preface_n in_o do_v which_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o lay_v open_a at_o large_a his_o knack_n of_o answer_v book_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v just_a title_n to_o make_v some_o request_n to_o you_o our_o umpire_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o right_n proper_a to_o learning_n declare_v beforehand_o that_o wherever_o i_o be_o large_a in_o any_o discourse_n become_v a_o scholar_n it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n pay_v to_o his_o preface_n which_o have_v nothing_o like_o a_o show_n of_o solid_a scholarship_n in_o it_o but_o a_o respect_n due_a to_o you_o our_o learned_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o appeal_v index_n assent_n dissent_n and_o suspense_n pag._n 81_o 82_o etc._n etc._n catholic_n divine_v vindicate_v p._n 18_o 179._o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n deny_v by_o dr._n t._n p._n 120_o 121_o 151._o assert_v by_o j._n s._n p._n 121_o 122._o definition_n of_o general_a council_n why_o necessary_a p._n 181_o 182._o demonstration_n p._n 41_o 42_o 43_o 119_o 120_o 174._o find_v in_o ethic_n and_o physics_n p._n 57_o to_o 63._o first_o principles_n identical_a proposition_n p._n 7._o to_o 41._o dr._n t_o be_v firm_a principle_n show_v weak_a p._n 71_o 72_o etc._n etc._n freedom_n from_o doubt_n not_o sufficient_a for_o faith_n p._n 84._o to_o 94._o p._n 124._o to_o 128._o infallibility_n assert_v p._n 64._o to_o 67.112_o to_o 116._o requisite_a to_o assent_v and_o faith_n p._n 68_o 69._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o admit_v of_o degree_n p._n 138._o to_o â—_o 141._o unlearned_a believer_n how_o infallible_a p._n 134_o 135_o 136_o 181._o moral_a certainty_n p._n 141._o to_o 147._o objection_n from_o catholic_n divine_v refute_v p._n 175._o to_o 179._o practical_a self-evidence_n p._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 116_o 117._o prudential_n ground_n incompetent_a for_o faith_n p._n 142_o to_o 146._o scripture_n letter_n no_o rule_n pref._n p._n 5_o 6_o 7.199_o 200._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 32_o 33_o 183._o grant_v to_o be_v such_o by_o dr._n t._n p._n 192._o to_o p._n 200._o hold_v by_o other_o catholic_n divine_v in_o j._n s._n his_o sense_n p._n 212._o to_o 216._o explain_v p._n 202._o to_o 212._o it_o be_v certainty_n how_o a_o first_o principle_n and_o self-evident_a p._n 3_o 4._o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n t_n preface_n with_o a_o examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n discourse_n i._n clear_v the_o way_n to_o the_o follow_v one_o by_o manifest_v his_o two_o fundamental_a exception_n to_o be_v perfect_o injust_a and_o voluntary_o insincere_a §_o 1._o his_o preface_n begin_v p._n 3_o with_o two_o charge_n viz._n that_o i_o still_o persist_v to_o maintain_v after_o so_o fair_a a_o admonition_n that_o first_o and_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o which_o he_o add_v a_o three_o that_o i_o make_v identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o dispute_n he_o argue_v too_o against_o the_o two_o former_a imaginary_a assertion_n of_o i_o which_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v a_o rare_a thing_n thus_o p._n 37._o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o make_v first_o principle_n more_o evident_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v they_o by_o and_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o reason_n give_v to_o be_v as_o victorious_a as_o any_o passage_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n where_o he_o have_v multitude_n of_o such_o wrong-aimed_a argument_n intend_v i_o conceive_v to_o show_v how_o far_o his_o reason_n can_v carry_v when_o it_o shoot_v at_o rover_n for_o it_o be_v level_v at_o no_o mark_n but_o observe_v i_o beseech_v you_o gentlemen_z how_o i_o be_o deal_v with_o and_o let_v these_o two_o lead_v case_n discover_v his_o way_n of_o confute_v obtain_v a_o just_a suspense_n of_o your_o judgement_n concern_v all_o his_o other_o performance_n till_o you_o see_v they_o examine_v §_o 2._o in_o sure_a footing_n p._n 114._o 2d_o edit_n which_o i_o stâ—ll_v quote_v i_o deduce_v two_o proposition_n the_o former_a that_o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a or_o as_o in_o other_o place_n i_o therefore_o name_v it_o first_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authentication_n of_o book_n and_o monument_n all_o depend_v upon_o tradition_n the_o other_o be_v
whatever_o be_v good_a in_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v refund_v into_o god_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n as_o its_o original_a cause_n what_o defective_a into_o the_o limitedness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n §_o 5._o this_o tenet_n of_o infallibility_n which_o unprejudiced_a nature_n teach_v even_o the_o rude_a in_o thing_n subject_a to_o sense_n and_o common_a reason_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o thing_n provable_a by_o exact_a art_n the_o adversary_n of_o true_a certainty_n our_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o render_v ridiculous_a and_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o it_o by_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a pretence_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v which_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o one_o thing_n but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o in_o all_o as_o if_o i_o can_v not_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o my_o chamber_n or_o practise_v open_o among_o those_o i_o converse_v with_o but_o i_o must_v be_v likewise_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o moon_n and_o dr._n t._n be_v one_o of_o these_o for_o contradiction_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o fish_n to_o swim_v who_o tell_v we_o here_o pag._n 19_o that_o omniscience_n within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n be_v a_o infinite_a within_o a_o finite_a sphere_n as_o if_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o know_v all_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v to_o know_v infinite_a or_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o so_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v that_o one_o may_v know_v all_o the_o money_n in_o one_o purse_n without_o know_v all_o the_o money_n that_o be_v extant_a or_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o room_n without_o know_v all_o mankind_n i_o wish_v dr._n t._n will_v show_v we_o why_o know_v all_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a matter_n must_v needs_o argue_v a_o infinite_a knowledge_n or_o why_o the_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n which_o last_o word_n when_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v that_o be_v break_v his_o jest_n our_o prevaricator_n prudent_o omit_v may_v not_o consist_v with_o a_o ignorance_n of_o many_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o sphere_n must_v the_o word_n all_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n need_v signify_v infinite_a or_o do_v the_o common_a reason_n ever_o thus_o go_v wrack_n i_o suppose_v my_o friend_n resolute_a hazard_n against_o identical_a proposition_n make_v he_o fall_v into_o this_o more_o than_o childish_a mistake_n for_o this_o plain_a truth_n what_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o have_v preserve_v he_o from_o this_o nonsense_n but_o he_o take_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o all_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o 〈◊〉_d all_o in_o every_o matter_n or_o which_o be_v more_o be_v infinite_a and_o so_o still_o he_o continue_v most_o learned_o to_o lay_v contradiction_n for_o his_o first_o principle_n because_o their_o interest_n and_o his_o be_v inseparable_o linkâ—_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n identical_a proposition_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v a_o very_a smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o proper_a to_o dr._n t._n unless_o perhaps_o his_o swear_a brother_n at_o hate_v first_a principle_n and_o papist_n put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n it_o appear_v by_o a_o certain_a paper_n call_v dr._n stillingfleet_n against_o dr._n stillingfleet_n he_o be_v a_o strong_a pretender_n and_o will_v cry_v half_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o examine_v his_o answer_n §_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a indeed_o to_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v â—_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v also_o through_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o those_o who_o can_v demonstrate_v but_o yet_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v demonstrable_a else_o it_o be_v not_o knowable_a or_o ascertainable_a for_o demonstrable_a be_v a_o plain_a honest_a word_n what_o game_n soever_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n make_v at_o it_o and_o import_v no_o more_o abstract_n from_o subtle_a quirk_n but_o only_o capable_a to_o be_v know_v or_o intellectual_o see_v by_o way_n of_o proof_n whence_o a_o learned_a man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o strength_n of_o severe_a reason_n ought_v either_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o or_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o dâ—â—y_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v dr._n t._n to_o take_v i_o right_n and_o to_o reflect_v that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v demonstrable_a or_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n demonstration_n with_o all_o those_o many_o subtlety_n and_o perquisit_n the_o school_n require_v i_o as_o little_a love_n nicety_n as_o any_o man_n live_v and_o can_v as_o easy_o dispense_v with_o they_o so_o the_o solid_a part_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n establish_v which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v i_o make_v account_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o these_o case_n in_o which_o assent_n &_o die_v to_o attest_v thing_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v require_v i_o only_o mean_v then_o by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o be_v take_v not_o from_o any_o exrinsecal_n consideration_n as_o be_v authority_n which_o ground_n belief_n but_o from_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o subject_n in_o dispute_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o necessary_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v which_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v without_o engage_v final_o some_o identical_a proposition_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v now_o this_o be_v evident_o so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o let_v dr._n t._n show_v the_o contrary_a i_o will_v ask_v our_o verbal_a divine_a why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o necessary_a conclude_a argument_n both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n assent_v most_o firm_o to_o faith_n build_v according_a to_o he_o sole_o upon_o their_o certainty_n be_v it_o not_o his_o intent_n in_o his_o discourse_n to_o conclude_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o unless_o he_o show_v the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v again_o do_v he_o not_o intend_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o must_v do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o pretend_v that_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o if_o he_o prove_v it_o truâ—_n must_v he_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v its_o contradictory_n false_a and_o be_v any_o thing_n false_a but_o what_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n can_v never_o conclude_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o he_o bring_v a_o proof_n necessary_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o according_a to_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n he_o both_o demonstrate_v and_o also_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n both_o these_o satisfactory_a certainty_n my_o ground_n attribute_v to_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n see_v surâ—f_n pag._n 116_o 117_o in_o point_n appertain_v to_o faith_n and_o he_o here_o deny_v both_o pag._n 10._o whence_o be_v see_v which_o of_o we_o two_o have_v more_o real_a honour_n and_o respect_n for_o scripture_n he_o who_o make_v neither_o its_o letter_n or_o sense_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o ascertain_v they_o that_o be_v as_o to_o our_o purpose_n make_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o or_o i_o who_o grant_v and_o prove_v both_o §_o 7._o i_o suppose_v dr._n t_n will_n say_v again_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o point_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v true_a to_o his_o firm_a principle_n and_o make_v all_o faith_n alike_o uncertain_a i_o answer_v the_o more_o blame_n will_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n who_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o first_o authority_n namely_o tradition_n which_o and_o only_o which_o can_v authenticate_v book_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o high_a concern_v practical_o carry_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o so_o easy_o preserve_v the_o book_n significative_a of_o the_o same_o sense_n noâ—_n doubt_v i_o but_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o england_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o thing_n join_v with_o the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o a_o matter_n daily_o so_o nice_o canvas_v and_o continual_o use_v can_v and_o
will_v believe_v he_o that_o my_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a &_o unchristian_a all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o my_o ground_n and_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o prove_v it_o in_o his_o way_n it_o be_v but_o mistake_v again_o the_o notion_n of_o school-divines_a for_o the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o school_n for_o church_n as_o he_o do_v late_o and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v immediate_o without_o any_o more_o trouble_n he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n in_o his_o first_o principle_n and_o his_o method_n that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a need_v not_o hang_v together_o at_o all_o but_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v incoherent_a and_o the_o late_a be_v a_o build_n upon_o false_a pretence_n and_o wrong_a supposition_n and_o then_o what_o may_v not_o he_o prove_v or_o what_o conquest_n can_v he_o obtain_v by_o such_o powerful_a stratagem_n he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o she_o faith_n possible_o i_o be_o not_o so_o lucky_a as_o to_o light_v on_o this_o large_a proof_n of_o he_o all_o i_o can_v find_v with_o a_o ordinary_a search_n be_v four_o or_o five_o line_n rule_v of_o faith_n pag._n 280._o where_o after_o a_o commonly-objected_n &_o often-answered_a citation_n from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n &_o unwritten_a tradition_n &_o therefore_o that_o they_o receive_v &_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n &_o also_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n he_o add_v which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v put_v this_o very_a objection_n against_o myself_o suref_a pag._n 346._o and_o proceed_v to_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o pag._n 150._o particular_o pag._n 147.149_o upon_o this_o reason_n because_o take_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n as_o the_o council_n express_v itself_o to_o do_v and_o forbid_v any_o man_n to_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o it_o have_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o so_o equal_o to_o be_v reverence_v whereas_o take_v it_o interpret_v by_o private_a head_n which_o only_o will_v serve_v dr_n t_n turn_n it_o be_v nothing_o less_o as_o not_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n at_o all_o but_o now_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v more_o require_v as_o dr._n t._n himself_o grant_v and_o contend_v it_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o sensible_a may_v understand_v it_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o build_v on_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n authority_n and_o judgement_n i_o deny_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o say_v it_o be_v no_o rule_n i_o omit_v the_o repeat_n very_o many_o argument_n from_o the_o council_n for_o that_o point_n deduce_v from_o pag._n 141._o to_o pag._n 146._o never_o touch_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o mock-answ_a of_o he_o §_o 16._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v who_o i_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o least_o from_o the_o way_n to_o it_o who_o not_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o to_o do_v throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n i_o make_v account_v that_o perfect_a charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n above_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o bliss_n or_o vnitive_a of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n also_o that_o this_o virtue_n can_v with_o a_o due_a heartiness_n be_v connatural_o or_o rational_o wrought_v in_o soul_n if_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o of_o christian_a faith_n be_v hold_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o ly._n hence_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o hold_v that_o those_o who_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o absolueely-conclusive_a reason_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o such_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v infallible_a and_o by_o consequence_n their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o all_o catholic_n do_v though_o as_o divine_n they_o fail_v in_o make_v out_o how_o and_o by_o what_o particular_a mean_n it_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a adhesion_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v because_o they_o be_v truth_n apt_a to_o beget_v solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n that_o be_v indeed_o true_a virtue_n such_o as_o be_v a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o fervent_a and_o all-oure-powering_a charity_n hence_o they_o possess_v the_o connatural_a mean_n or_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o esteem_v dr._n it_o be_v way_n of_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deity_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o sermon_n most_o pestilent_a and_o mischievous_a to_o soul_n as_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o incline_v they_o if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o discern_v its_o shallowness_n first_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n and_o at_o next_o to_o carelessness_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n though_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o that_o his_o shortness_n in_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o christianity_n make_v he_o conceit_n he_o do_v excellent_o even_o to_o admiration_n all_o the_o while_o he_o commit_v such_o well-meaning_a folly_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v upon_o second_o thought_n think_v fit_a to_o patronize_v principle_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o protestant_n i_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o who_o all_o with_o one_o mouth_n will_v own_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a position_n as_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a how_o dr._n t._n may_v have_v season_v some_o of_o his_o own_o auditor_n by_o preach_v controversy_n to_o they_o which_o he_o extreme_o affect_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v according_a as_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o more_o than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o sentiment_n he_o oppose_v in_o his_o discourse_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n discourse_n viii_o with_o what_o be_v dr._n t._n answer_v my_o method_n a_o present_v make_v to_o his_o credulous_a friend_n show_v how_o solid_o he_o confute_v sure-footing_a by_o ready_o grant_v the_o main_a of_o the_o book_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o tradition_n that_o j._n s._n be_v not_o singular_a in_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o he_o make_v a_o pass_n or_o two_o at_o my_o method_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v must_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o hear_v be_v threaten_v will_v appear_v very_o short_o but_o this_o pleasant_a preface_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o appear_v and_o all_o that_o appear_v like_o answer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v make_v it_o believe_v he_o ought_v not_o answer_v at_o all_o and_o this_o he_o do_v very_o neat_o and_o like_o a_o master_n for_o let_v no_o man_n think_v i_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o dr._n t._n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o thing_n some_o be_v good_a at_o prove_v some_o at_o disprove_v some_o at_o shift_v of_o the_o question_n without_o either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v every_o one_o in_o his_o way_n and_o in_o his_o way_n i_o know_v no_o man_n live_v a_o great_a master_n nor_o so_o great_a as_o the_o dr._n two_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o both_o of_o they_o strange_a one_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n be_v found_v on_o the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oraâ—_n tradition_n next_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o surefoot_v the_o first_o of_o they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v i_o there_o suppose_v oral_a tradition_n self-evident_o infallible_a and_o then_o run_v on_o all_o the_o way_n upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o if_o it_o obtain_v belief_n as_o from_o his_o credit_n he_o hope_v it_o may_v since_o every_o scholar_n know_v all_o discourse_n must_v be_v found_v either_o on_o first_o principle_n or_o at_o least_o on_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o
argue_v he_o see_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a discourser_n that_o ever_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o build_v a_o whole_a treatise_n upon_o a_o supposition_n unprove_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n now_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n i_o deduce_v step_n by_o step_n and_o make_v the_o forego_n proposition_n draw_v still_o after_o it_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n the_o follow_v one_o he_o conceal_v all_o mention_n of_o proof_n or_o endeavour_v of_o it_o call_v my_o conclusion_n principle_n and_o than_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o to_o build_v that_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o desert_v my_o usual_a way_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o know_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o there_o do_v with_o those_o of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o they_o proceed_v minutely_o to_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v have_v his_o friend_n dr._n st._n take_v the_o same_o course_n his_o principle_n will_v have_v evident_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v excuse_v other_o the_o unnecessary_a trouble_n of_o answer_v they_o next_o he_o make_v i_o say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o say_v himself_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o which_o word_n a_o honest_a reader_n will_v very_o think_v i_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o never_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v it_o whereas_o though_o i_o indeed_o hold_v it_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a of_o which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o give_v account_n yet_o i_o proceed_v as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o prove_v §_o 8._o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v infallible_a §_o 10._o that_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o §_o 11._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o reader_n be_v thus_o questionless_a well_o dispose_v to_o think_v it_o very_o unnecessary_a he_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o answer_v any_o passage_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o unproved_a principle_n or_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n he_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a whence_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o deserve_v none_o or_o if_o it_o do_v be_v answer_v this_o reason_n though_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o little_a open_a for_o in_o case_n i_o do_v bring_v any_o argument_n in_o my_o method_n to_o make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o after_o i_o have_v see_v and_o perhaps_o sufficient_o consider_v too_o what_o he_o reply_v to_o surefoot_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v i_o may_v either_o have_v amend_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o surefoot_v or_o produce_v better_a in_o my_o method_n and_o so_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o surefoot_v it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a to_o have_v consider_v and_o say_v something_o to_o the_o method_n too_o unless_o he_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v already_o answer_v the_o veâ—y_a reason_n urge_v in_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o have_v nor_o be_o confident_a himself_n neither_o §_o 2._o but_o yet_o â—o_o instance_n in_o this_o one_o passage_n how_o rare_a a_o piece_n his_o cry'd-up_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o excellent_o it_o answer_v surefoot_v let_v we_o â—_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o â—mounts_n to_o surefooting_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o that_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o pag._n 57_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o 5_o the_o discourse_n who_o title_n be_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o 2_o d._n part_n begin_v discourse_n 6._o and_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o have_v hitherto_o ever_o be_v follow_v the_o confutation_n of_o my_o first_o part_n end_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 150_o the_o answer_n to_o my_o 2_o d._n begin_v pag._n 151._o or_o these_o two_o the_o former_a be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a concern_v of_o my_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o only_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n hitherto_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v by_o those_o against_o who_o i_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o convey_v to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o say_v or_o else_o that_o those_o who_o proceed_v upon_o tradition_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o right_a christian_n whence_o the_o late_a part_n be_v only_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n especial_o in_o case_n i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la this_o be_v so_o let_v dr._n t_n friend_n and_o i_o when_o they_o hap_v to_o discourse_v about_o we_o please_v to_o send_v for_o his_o book_n and_o i_o and_o with_o aâ—_n equal_a partiality_n distrust_v we_o both_o rely_v upon_o sir_n tho._n moor_n pair_n of_o honest_a unbiased_a witness_n their_o own_o eye_n they_o will_v find_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n undertake_v pag._n 146._o to_o answer_v my_o 5_o the_o disc._n which_o pretend_v to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o tradition_n and_o thence_o conclude_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o quote_v pag_n 41._o where_o that_o discourse_n begin_v in_o surefooting_n they_o will_v see_v the_o title_n of_o his_o sect._n 6._o which_o he_o use_v to_o put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n now_o i_o assign_v seven_o such_o property_n surefoot_a pag._n 11_o and_o 12._o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o two_o part._n 2._o sect._n 1_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o sufficient_o certain_a come_v then_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 148._o to_o confute_v that_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n to_o my_o main_a purpose_n he_o complete_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o one_o single_a page_n viz._n 149._o nay_o in_o one_o piece_n of_o that_o page_n this_o will_v seem_v strange_a and_o something_o difficult_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o singular_a method_n of_o answer_v book_n all_o say_v he_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n it_o be_v all_o indeed_o i_o pretend_v and_o all_o i_o desire_v to_o prove_v for_o certain_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n unchanged_a it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o what_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v i_o conceive_v a_o rule_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v follow_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o question_n i_o have_v not_o then_o examine_v but_o reserve_v to_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o this_o then_o after_o his_o sufficient_a consideration_n what_o say_v the_o dr._n all_o this_o say_v he_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o that_o answer_n for_o all_o my_o write_n aim_v at_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v see_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o since_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v i_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_v though_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v cross_a this_o word_n ready_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n after_o he_o have_v employ_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o prepare_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v and_o play_v all_o the_o trick_n which_o may_v make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o answer_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o question_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o he_o can_v do_v no_o other_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v it_o but_o not_o very_o ready_o people_n will_v not_o think_v he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o
safe_a expression_n though_o for_o have_v he_o say_v sufficient_o answer_v or_o confute_v or_o oppose_v so_o much_o as_o by_o a_o bare-denial_n or_o even_o attempt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o all_o this_o be_v ready_o grant_v will_v have_v be_v a_o filthy_a stumble_a block_n in_o his_o way_n but_o those_o safe_a easy_a word_n sufficient_o consider_a be_v very_a choice_n and_o may_v signify_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o which_o you_o please_v for_o one_o may_v sufficient_o consider_v a_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a consideration_n find_v it_o best_a to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o say_v never_o a_o syllable_n to_o it_o or_o one_o may_v grant_v or_o deny_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o these_o pliable_a word_n will_v fit_v whatever_o he_o do_v those_o who_o be_v a_o little_a straighten_a and_o find_v impartial_a reason_n not_o so_o favourable_a to_o they_o as_o they_o wish_v shall_v by_o all_o mean_n learn_v this_o gentile_a insignificant_a way_n of_o expression_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o crabbed_a knowledge_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stubborn_a nature_n and_o do_v veâ—y_o well_o where_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o party_n but_o be_v quite_o out_o and_o signify_v nothing_o against_o it_o whereas_o this_o like_o those_o easy_a pliable_a thing_n probability_n the_o matter_n which_o best_o fit_v this_o pliant_a manner_n of_o express_v be_v wonderful_a complaisant_a and_o if_o you_o happen_v to_o change_v side_n will_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o falsehood_n and_o i_o will_v particular_o commend_v this_o phrase_n sufficient_o consider_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o those_o who_o study_v the_o art_n and_o need_v it_o §_o 5._o people_n will_v not_o expect_v from_o i_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o unexpected_a kindness_n of_o the_o dr._n for_o they_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o council_n but_o i_o think_v he_o grant_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v for_o whoever_o read_v suref_n p._n 48._o &_o 55._o will_v find_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o tradition_n so_o explain_v that_o suppose_v it_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o intelligible_a which_o i_o there_o prove_v and_o he_o here_o grant_v its_o rule_v power_n be_v as_o plain_o make_v out_o as_o this_o identical_a proposition_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o particular_o in_o my_o method_n pag._n 16._o and_o 17._o which_o kind_n of_o proposition_n a_o man_n may_v be_v angry_a at_o but_o can_v so_o handsome_o deny_v for_o if_o he_o can_v i_o suppose_v he_o rather_o will_v have_v do_v â—t_a than_o yield_v the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o so_o favourable_a to_o catholic_n and_o destructive_a to_o his_o cause_n this_o possible_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o resentment_n against_o identical_a proposition_n of_o which_o he_o will_v revenge_v himself_o for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v he_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n very_o politic_o bid_v open_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o such_o ill-conditioned_a principle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o that_o six_o section_n be_v very_o observable_a the_o title_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o tradition_n and_o this_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o make_v good_a this_o undertake_n he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o can_v if_o people_n stick_v to_o it_o preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n from_o change_n and_o this_o signify_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n do_v belong_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o ever_o pretend_v there_o be_v two_o rule_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o since_o tradition_n have_v power_n to_o do_v what_o a_o rule_n shall_v do_v viz._n preserve_v faith_n uncorrupted_a and_o unchanged_a tradition_n certain_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o express_o call_v it_o p._n 49._o but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v etc._n etc._n and_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v here_o hold_v perhaps_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n his_o title_n be_v that_o tradition_n have_v not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o the_o conclusion_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o remarkable_a for_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o he_o as_o ready_o divert_v the_o reader_n from_o reflect_v upon_o it_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v nay_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o as_o he_o pretend_v this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o as_o untrue_a but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o absurd_a proposition_n that_o ever_o pretend_a to_o demonstrative_a evidence_n will_v any_o reader_n suspect_v this_o serious_a clutter_v of_o word_n shall_v be_v both_o untrue_a and_o nothing_o to_o purpose_n beside_o for_o it_o plain_o speak_v of_o a_o question_n which_o be_v not_o the_o question_n in_o that_o place_n but_o reserve_v for_o another_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v let_v alone_o till_o its_o time_n come_v yet_o i_o be_v to_o blame_v to_o say_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v to_o great_a purpose_n and_o the_o transition_n be_v so_o nimble_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o reader_n cease_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o import_n of_o his_o concession_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v i_o a_o man_n of_o confidence_n and_o strange_a confidence_n too_o who_o can_v hold_v such_o palpable_a nonsense_n but_o pray_v where_o do_v i_o ever_o pretend_v it_o be_v unpossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o tradition_n sure_a it_o be_v in_o my_o sleep_n and_o the_o dr._n have_v take_v i_o nap_v otherwise_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o myself_o and_o my_o own_o action_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o have_v write_v or_o say_v or_o so_o much_o as_o think_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v always_o think_v and_o have_v say_v and_o write_v that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o god_n church_n nay_o as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o much_o as_o that_o i_o have_v absolute_o demonstrate_v there_o have_v or_o can_v be_v no_o total_a defection_n from_o it_o indeed_o i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o can_v not_o but_o i_o pretend_v no_o more_o but_o to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o and_o eight_o discourse_n in_o surefoot_v will_v bear_v i_o witness_v but_o i_o know_v not_o under_o what_o unlucky_a planet_n the_o dr._n write_v this_o discourse_n where_o nothing_o will_v fadge_v and_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v prove_v against_o hâ—mself_n this_o untrue_a and_o absurd_a proposition_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o tradition_n imply_v at_o least_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o deviation_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n for_o else_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n from_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o both_o can_v and_o do_v deviate_v wherefore_o the_o proposition_n as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o it_o be_v to_o urge_v it_o against_o tradition_n which_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o proposition_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n less_o a_o rule_n and_o indeed_o the_o true_a difference_n and_o true_a poinâ—_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o stand_v thus_o i_o say_v and_o prove_v and_o himself_o by_o grant_v all_o my_o 5_o discourse_n and_o that_o tradition_n be_v plain_a grant_n that_o tradition_n be_v so_o excellent_o qualify_v for_o a_o rule_n that_o let_v man_n but_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v it_o still_o to_o their_o power_n it_o will_v bring_v down_o the_o same_o uncorrupted_a faith_n to_o the_o world_n end_n whereas_o it_o be_v know_v and_o evident_a that_o multitude_n of_o man_n have_v follow_v and_o do_v follâ—â—_n scripture_n to_o their_o power_n and_o differ_v enormous_o in_o their_o tenet_n and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o contradiction_n will_v let_v they_o go_v as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o trinity_n christ_n be_v god_n â—nd_n christ_n be_v not_o god_n than_o which_o as_o none_o can_v be_v more_o wide_a so_o execept_v the_o tenet_n of_o the_o deity_n itself_o none_o can_v be_v more_o fundamental_a or_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o christian_a life_n §_o 6_o reflect_v then_o
by_o some_o natural_a and_o therefore_o more_o easily-known_a assistance_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n those_o out_o of_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o she_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v this_o be_v the_o method_n i_o take_v in_o resolve_v faith_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v i_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o more_o solid_a more_o orderly_a more_o connatural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o more_o honourable_a to_o god_n church_n i_o shall_v as_o willing_o and_o easy_o quit_v it_o as_o i_o now_o out_o of_o long_a and_o serious_a consideration_n embrace_v and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o whoever_o contradict_v this_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o point_n which_o occasion_v this_o discourse_n must_v withal_o contradict_v a_o maxim_n on_o which_o all_o science_n be_v principal_o build_v namely_o that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o notion_n define_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a definition_n but_o of_o each_o single_a part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o one_o part_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v the_o whole_a definition_n as_o have_v that_o obscure_a part_n in_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o obscure_a likewise_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n must_v either_o be_v more_o know_v and_o knowable_a than_o that_o of_o church_n and_o consequent_o antecedent_n to_o it_o in_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_n or_o the_o definition_n will_v be_v obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o if_o it_o be_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o end_n definition_n be_v or_o why_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o conduce_v to_o ignorance_n than_o to_o science_n add_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v most_o intrinsical_a and_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o more_o forcible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n to_o convince_v inevitable_o that_o such_o a_o body_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o be_v any_o extrinsecal_n mark_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o extrinsical_a mark_n be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o superficial_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n to_o settle_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o any_o of_o these_o mark_n any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o much_o less_o more_o easy_o know_v if_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o visible_a and_o practical_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v questionable_a and_o that_o neither_o scripture_n father_n council_n history_n monument_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v pretend_v to_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o tradition_n be_v uncertain_a or_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v know_v unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o that_o be_v more_o know_v as_o be_v show_v particular_o in_o the_o corollary_n to_o sure-footing_a §_o 11._o hence_o be_v see_v that_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n for_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n take_v at_o large_a for_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deliver_v and_o last_o for_o its_o divinely-assisted_n or_o supernatural_a authority_n call_v proper_o christian._n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o one_o fence_n when_o in_o another_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n will_v evident_o determine_v only_o we_o must_v note_v that_o these_o three_o notion_n be_v not_o adequate_o contradistinct_a the_o late_a still_o include_v the_o former_a as_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n do_v in_o continue_v quantity_n for_o the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n include_v tradition_n take_v at_o large_a and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v show_v suref_a p._n 82_o 83._o the_o supernatural_a authority_n include_v all_o find_v in_o the_o other_o two_o and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v particular_o declare_v there_o from_o p._n 84._o to_o p._n 93._o so_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v imaginable_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v christian_n or_o in_o the_o testify_a authority_n of_o christ_n church_n §_o 12._o but_o because_o it_o be_v still_o d._n it_o be_v best_a play_n to_o make_v use_n of_o extrinsecal_n exception_n so_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n eye_n and_o avoid_v answer_v my_o intrinsecal_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o which_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o grapple_v and_o since_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v very_o frequent_a at_o this_o impertinent_a topick_n of_o my_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o other_o divine_n do_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o omit_v many_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o dr._n stratford_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o far_o he_o mistake_v in_o this_o point_n by_o instance_v in_o one_o controvertist_n of_o eminent_a both_o fame_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o in_o his_o time_n one_o who_o write_v before_o rushworth_n dialogue_n appear_v or_o perhaps_o be_v think_v of_o and_o so_o can_v be_v suspect_v a_o follower_n of_o that_o new_a way_n as_o dr._n t._n call_v it_o i_o mean_v mr._n fisher._n this_o able_a controvertist_n in_o his_o censure_n of_o dr._n white_n be_v reply_n p._n 83_o 84_o maintain_v that_o unwritten_a that_o be_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v the_o prime_a ground_n of_o faith_n more_o fundamental_a than_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o his_o adversary_n mr._n white_a the_o minister_n grant_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o point_n p._n 27._o he_o conclude_v strong_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n suppose_v before_o faith_n which_o infidel_n see_v to_o be_v true_a resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o be_v secondary_a truth_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o themselves_o believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n as_o ample_o and_o full_o express_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a or_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n that_o be_v partly_o at_o least_o upon_o the_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n since_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o presuppose_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o argument_n he_o make_v the_o primâ—_n principle_n of_o faith_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o that_o be_v the_o same_o we_o mean_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a evident_a in_o itself_o and_o p._n 40._o he_o put_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n to_o be_v what_o be_v the_o external_a infallible_a ground_n unto_o which_o divine_a inspiration_n move_v man_n to_o adhere_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n where_o first_o beside_o god_n grace_n move_v we_o to_o every_o good_a act_n which_o all_o catholic_n hold_v to_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o he_o a_o external_n infallible_a ground_n next_o that_o without_o such_o a_o ground_n a_o man_n can_v be_v settle_v in_o true_a save_a faith_n again_o p._n 38_o come_n to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o know_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apostolical_a he_o mention_n none_o but_o only_o public_a catholic_n tradition_n teach_v unanimous_o and_o perpetual_o by_o pastor_n which_o p._n 37._o he_o call_v a_o rule_n infallible_a and_o say_v that_o only_a heretic_n charge_v it_o to_o be_v fallible_a where_o also_o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o principle_n that_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v the_o catholic_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o father_n unto_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o child_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o by_o the_o word_n now_o cite_v appear_v to_o be_v evident_o the_o same_o i_o defend_v he_o affirm_v p._n 38._o that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v simple_o infallible_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o quote_v suarez_n to_o